The relationship of e-commerce readiness to technology acceptance: The case of Barbados.
详细信息
文摘
The Islands of the Caribbean are known for their natural beauty, white sands and beaches, and coral limestone. A strong tourist industry flourishes on most of these islands. While some islands have experienced significant economic growth and industrialization, albeit spotty, to one degree or another, not all islands have participated in this industrial development. Even fewer islands have participated in the industrial revolution of the "Information Age". Few studies have attempted to address this issue, but most have examined the matter from an economic, cultural, or management perspective.;This is an exploratory study that examines the relationship between selected components of e-commerce readiness and dimensions of Davis' Technology Acceptance Model. Building upon the notion that there exists some linkage between e-commerce readiness and Technology Acceptance, this study seeks to examine these linkages in Barbados. Three relationships are proposed---a relationship between technology acceptance and the existing e-Readiness infrastructure, a relationship between technology acceptance and current access, a relationship between technology acceptance and education. The results of this study showed that there are strong relationships between e-commerce readiness components and some technology acceptance dimensions.;From this study, the opportunity exists for governments and private investors to realize deeper, wider, and sustainable industrial and economic growth by creating opportunities for greater technology acceptance. Future studies may examine the economic and industrial (job opportunities etc.) implications of a viable infrastructure and widespread technology acceptance on the islands of the Caribbean. Future studies are also necessary to examine the effects of Technology Acceptance on the quality of life in Barbados. Finally, future studies should also examine the effects that a viable infrastructure may have on Technology Adoption and Adaptation in Barbados.;By understanding the importance of having a viable telecommunication infrastructure, managers or owners of businesses may elect to decentralize the locations of their operations thus expanding development beyond industrial parks. It is anticipated that deeper and widespread technology acceptance will be accomplished when a viable infrastructure become "universal" on each island. In doing so, it is conceivable that technology will become more diffused, accepted and adapted for local applications.